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THE INS AND OUTS OF TUFTING

Tufting is a classic look that has been updated by designers to be very au courant. With a sleek fabric, tufting adds a twist to traditional frames or contributes classic lines to more modern furniture.

Today's tufted furniture comes in all styles, shapes and forms. A tufted settee in a silky fabric can appear elegant and refined. In natural linen, tufting takes on a more casual, European aesthetic. In tufted leather, a club chair looks handsome and manly.

"Tufted furniture will have a different effect in a room depending on the frame chosen, the fabric or leather covering and its color and texture," observes Jan Jessup, director of communications for a home furnishing company. "Adding nail head trim above the base or a decorative braid at the hem of the skirt really polishes off the look of a tufted frame."

WHAT EXACTLY IS TUFTING?

Tufting is a way of anchoring the filling and padding materials on a seat back or cushion by stitching through all the layers from top to bottom and pulling the heavy thread tight to create a dimpled effect. The tuft is usually finished with a button covered in matching fabric to hide the stitches. However, the tuft can also be finished with just a stitch detail or with a little ribbon of the same fabric used to upholster the piece.

WHY DO SO MANY TOP DESIGNERS HAVE TUFT LOVE THESE DAYS?

1. Tufted seat backs or seats add dimension and visual interest to upholstered furniture, as the surface has high points and low points that create highlight and shadow effects. Adding a large lumbar pillow to a tufted back frame makes it more comfortable for reading and lounging, suggests Jessup.

2. Chesterfield style sofas and chairs create a sumptuous look and complement other fabrics that are popular now—menswear patterns, equestrian motifs, textured velvets, solids or tweeds. In seat cushions, tufting adds firm support and is best for places where you're not spending hours on the furniture. This style of frame is made more comfortable by selecting a luxurious fabric.

3. Tufted ottomans can replace a coffee table for more versatility, since they can do double-duty as seating or as a table surface. Place a large tray on the ottoman to provide a flat surface for books, drinks, flowers or other decorative accessories.

Tufting provides firm support, so it's ideal for someone who prefers a firm back or seat rather than a downy soft cushion. There are many loveseats and sofa styles with a tufted back and a flat bench cushion (not tufted) for a softer "sit", explained Jessup.

Tufted settees or benches are ideal for foyer seating or at the end of a bed where people will perch for just a short time. Tufting is perfect for ottomans because it supports heavy feet. And tufted headboards work well because shams and pillows will cushion your back as you read in bed, catch up on email or watch television.

DIAMOND TUFTING AND BISCUIT TUFTING

True tufting incorporates a deep pleat in the fabric or leather between the tufts, creating a diamond or biscuit (square) pattern with tufts about 6 to 8 inches apart. The pleats are quite deep — each one requires about 8 inches of fabric so that it doesn't pull out. Tufted upholstery requires more yardage than a back or seat cushion with a flat surface.

BUTTON-BACK STYLES

Button-back upholstery is somewhat like tufting. A stitch is taken between the top layers of padding to create a pattern—but the fabric is not pleated between the tufts and the dimple created is shallow, not deep. Button-back upholstery will not distort the design of the fabric. A contrasting solid color fabric may be used for buttons or welting for a tailored look to accent the lines of the frame.

SELECTING THE RIGHT FABRIC OR LEATHER FOR TUFTING

"Because the true tufting will change the design of a fabric, choose solid colors, textures, tweeds and small-to-medium patterns which are great for tufting," advised Jessup. Fabrics with large patterns, one-way designs, or large plaids or stripes will be distorted by the deep pleating and pulling of tufting, she notes. "While this throws the pattern off kilter and bothers some, others love the look and think it creates a whimsical, casual, and modern feel."

Obviously, leather tufts handsomely — it's been used this way for hundreds of years. Leather is a great choice for ottomans and club chairs, says Jessup. If choosing leather, select a smooth, supple hide that will pleat well.


Content thanks to Calico Corners Home